Cars, Helicopters and Jetliners: Obama Leaves LA

The president's first stop in town was Thursday at Sony Studios in Culver city. About 200 demonstrators waving signs and chanting "Obama, keep your promise'' gathered outside the studio in advance of a presidential fundraising stop, calling on the president to officially acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

Obama Visits Culver City, Brentwood

Westwood was at near gridlock as the presidential motorcade moved through. Security helicopters could be seen flying above.

City Councilman Bill Rosendahl said the White House has been responsive this time. He said there was a meeting earlier this week with Secret Service, FBI, LAPD, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and other agencies.

Rosendahl, chairman of the council's Transportation Committee, summoned the LAPD and Department of Transportation officials to discuss the August traffic situation and review procedures for rerouting traffic to accommodate dignitaries.

"I told the White House they might have raised $1 million, but they lost one million votes,'' Rosendahl said.

In October, Obama stopped by USC for a voter rally. Portions of streets near USC were closed for that visit, but the president primarily moved around the city in a helicopter.

During his West Coast trip, Obama is trying to raise support for his deficit plan and money for his re-election campaign.